News Release

Haleakalā National Park is Modifying Operations to Implement Latest Health Guidance

Date: March 17, 2020
Contact: Jin Prugsawan, 808-572-4450

Kula, Maui — Haleakalā National Park is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of March 17, 2020, the following closures will be in place until further notice:
 

• The Summit District of Haleakalā National Park will be closed daily from 3:00 am- 7:00 am. All Sunrise Reservations are cancelled until further notice.
• All visitor centers, including Haleakala Visitor Center (9,740 feet), Headquarters Visitor Center (at 7,000 feet), and the Kīpahulu Visitor Center will be closed.
• All backcountry access in Wilderness areas will be closed. This temporary closure includes day-use on Halemauʻu, Keoneheʻeheʻe (or Sliding Sands), Kaupō trails, and all Crater trails; and cabin reservations and primitive wilderness campgrounds at Hōlua and Palikū.
• All special events and ranger-led programs are cancelled until further notice.

Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, Hosmer Campground, Kīpahulu Campground, all overlooks, and front country trails including the Hosmer Grove Trail, Pīpīwai Trail, Kūloa Point, and Kahakai Trail will remain open to provide healthy options for the public use.  

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Haleakalā National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.  

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.   

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.   

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations. 
 

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